When benefits outweigh the risks: Implications for substance use in juvenile offenders
Conference Year
January 2019
Abstract
Evidence for mechanisms in the development of substance use disorders (SUD) is weak. Subgroups of antisocial youth in the criminal justice system have increased risk of developing SUD. This study examined relationships among psychopathic traits, perceptions of consequences of substance use (expectancies), and frequency of use among detained youth. Youth perceiving higher benefits of use reported more past substance use and intentions to use in the future, regardless of perceived risk. Youth with primary psychopathic traits were more likely to fit this pattern than those high in secondary psychopathic traits, or those low in psychopathic traits. Treatment implications are discussed.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Timothy Stickle
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Psychological Science
Primary Research Category
Social Sciences
When benefits outweigh the risks: Implications for substance use in juvenile offenders
Evidence for mechanisms in the development of substance use disorders (SUD) is weak. Subgroups of antisocial youth in the criminal justice system have increased risk of developing SUD. This study examined relationships among psychopathic traits, perceptions of consequences of substance use (expectancies), and frequency of use among detained youth. Youth perceiving higher benefits of use reported more past substance use and intentions to use in the future, regardless of perceived risk. Youth with primary psychopathic traits were more likely to fit this pattern than those high in secondary psychopathic traits, or those low in psychopathic traits. Treatment implications are discussed.